13 Best Eye Creams for 2014

Starting to see signs of too much work and too little sleep in the bags and circles under your eyes? Readers say these eye creams are the best way to banish fine lines, puffiness and discoloration for good

If you're one of the many women who think eye creams are just another way for the cosmetic industry to get you to buy more skin care products, dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD, PA, says you should reconsider. The skin around your eye is the thinnest layer of skin on your entire body, and therefore the most sensitive, he says. So using a cream made specifically for your eyes is crucial, especially as you age.

"Eye creams can, and often do, show results if they are used appropriately and for a long enough time," says Beer. The trick is to find the right eye cream for your skin's needs. (Still skeptical? Check out these before and after pictures of women who used eye creams that worked.) If you feel like you've been duped by the hundreds of eye creams on the market promising to erase your dark circles, puffiness and fine lines, you probably haven't tried the ones on this reader-approved list. Our reviewers have tested all the potions, creams, and elixirs for the delicate eye area and boiled it down to these 13 that actually work. Ready to become an eye cream believer? Keep reading.

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.0*
Why it's great: Reviewers call this eye cream "amazing," "very effective" and a "must-have." One reviewer says it "absorbs quickly, isn't greasy" and keeps her eyes looking "fresh and young." While many reviewers acknowledge its high cost, they find that it is "ultimately worth the money."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9*Why it's great: Readers say this "intense eye repair cream" has a "great anti-aging formula" that is "very high-quality" and "pretty amazing." It "reduces lines," helps with "puffiness and dark circles" and "keeps skin fresh, hydrated and supple." One reader is impressed that the cream is "not too heavy" or greasy, which means she can "apply [her] eye makeup over it in the morning without the makeup smudging."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.0*
Why it's great: Readers say that this "fabulous" product is a "wonderful, moisturizing eye treatment" that comes "highly recommended." Reviewers report that fine lines "practically disappear" after using this eye cream. They also laud this product for its ingredient list -- it includes retinol and sunscreen -- and note that it "does not irritate" the eye area.

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: Readers say they love this eye cream's the quick results. One reviewer says her "eyes looked fresher immediately" and her "under-eye wrinkles have been drastically reduced." As for the formula, they say it is a "lightweight cream" that "goes on nicely, absorbs well and hydrates the skin."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: Readers write three paragraph essay-style reviews on why this eye cream changed their life. They call the results "amazing" and "all-around wonderful." Readers note that they see a difference "right away" in the product's effectiveness in "significantly reducing under eye circles" and puffiness, leaving eyes "super hydrated" and "plumped." One reader says her eyes "look much younger and brighter" after using it for three months. According to one reader, "Forty-eight dollars a year is worth having almost no darkness under my eyes."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: Readers love this cooling eye gel for reducing puffiness. They say it "makes the under-eye look smoother," is "moisturizing" and "reduces the puffiness [from] a sleepless night." A few readers recommend keeping it in the fridge because it "works even better to de-puff if you keep it cold." One reader notes it takes only "five minutes for it to reduce puffiness and dark circles."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: "This eye cream really takes the cake," readers say. This "phenomenal product" not only "fades circles and lines in a jiffy," it "enhances the quality of your skin texture." One reader says "a little dab" will give you "perfect eyes in no time" and "keep you looking young."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: Readers find this eye cream to be "cool and soothing," "non-greasy" and "light but still hydrating." "No matter what I look like first thing in the morning, after I use the Lineless Eye Cream, I look wide awake," raves one reviewer. Another says she could "feel the instant tightness" after using this product. Readers all agree that it can "reduce fine lines and puffy eyes." Bottom line: "This one is a keeper."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*
Why it's great: Reviewers call this eye cream "the best." Readers saw a "definite difference" in as little as "two weeks." They say the formula is "very soothing," "absorbs quickly," "refreshes the eye area" and "is the best for aging skin." As far as the price, one reader declares, "You get your money's worth!"

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 10*
Why it's great: This 10-star rated eye cream is described as "worth its weight in gold," a "must-have" and "exceptional and effective." Those with sensitive skin especially appreciate the "thin, fast-absorbing" formula because it "doesn't sting, burn or irritate" their eyes. One reader says she "keeps coming back to this" product because she can feel her "skin tighten up and de-puff" immediately after applying it. Simply put: "You will not be disappointed in the product."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 10*
Why it's great: "If you have ever suffered from under-eye bags ... this is the serum for you," raves one reviewer. "I love how lightweight the gel is and how little you need." Reviewers love the gel formula, which they say leaves eyes feeling "soft and refreshed."

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 10*
Why it's great: Recommended for "anyone with eyes," readers say this product is "amazing," "awesome" and "a miracle." Readers claim you see "instant results," and that eyes look "noticeably lighter" and "brighter." The "soothing" formula "feels so good on your skin," raves one reviewer.

You should try and put some olive oil or castor oil on under your eyes before you go to bed.. It definitely helps! Made from Earth even makes an eye cream which has olive oil in it for use under the eyes called the Olive Night Cream. . .

Before applying a cream, I would suggest to use a skin roller to create tiny holes in the skin so the cream is delivered to deeper layers of skin. See today's groupon goods deal for derma roller and collagen cream.

I just ordered the MK firming eye creme. I've used it before and my Arbonne one was leaving my eye area all dry. :-( In the mean time I found one by Aardvarkskincarethai. It uses natural ingredients and oils. Loving the difference so far!